“I’ll come at half past ten,” said Julian. “After I’ve seen the signals from the tower. They’re due in ten minutes.”

At half past ten he looked at the glass top of the tower. Ah — there was the first signal, blazing brightly as the sun caught the mirror held by his uncle in the tower.

“One flash,” counted Julian. “Two — three — four — five — six. He’s all right.”

He was just about to turn away when another flash caught his eyes. “Seven!” Then another came. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve.

“How queer,” said Julian. “Why twelve flashes? Hallo here we go again!”

Another six flashes came from the tower, then no more at all. Julian wished he had a telescope, then he could see right into the tower! He sat and thought for a moment, puzzled. Then he heard the others come pounding up the stairs. They burst into the room.

“Julian! Father flashed eighteen times instead of six!”

“Did you count them, Ju?”

“Why did he do that? Is he in danger of some sort?”

“No. If he was he’d flash the SOS signal,” said Julian.

“He doesn’t know Morse!” said George.

“Well, I expect he just wants to let us know that he needs something,” said Julian. “We must go over today and find out what it is. More food perhaps.”

So, when Aunt Fanny came home they suggested they should all go over to the island. Aunt Fanny was pleased.

“Oh yes! That would be nice. I expect your uncle wants a message sent off somewhere. We’ll go this morning.”

George flew off to tell James she wanted her boat. Aunt Fanny packed up plenty of food with Joanna’s help. Then they set off to Kirrin Island in George’s boat.

As they rounded the low wall of rocks and came into the little cove, they saw Uncle Quentin waiting for them. He waved his hand, and helped to pull in the boat when it ran gently on to the sand.

“We saw your treble signal,” said Aunt Fanny. “Did you want something, dear?”

“Yes, I did,” said Uncle Quentin. “What’s that you’ve got in your basket, Fanny? More of those delicious sandwiches. I’ll have some!”

“Oh Quentin — haven’t you been having your meals properly again?” said Aunt Fanny. “What about that lovely soup?”

“What soup?” said Uncle Quentin, looking surprised. “I wish I’d known about it. I could have done with some last night.”

“But Quentin! I told you about it before,” said Aunt Fanny. “It will be bad by now. You must pour it away. Now don’t forget — pour it away! Where is it? Perhaps I had better pour it away myself.”

“No. I’ll do it,” said Uncle Quentin. “Let’s sit down and have our lunch.”

It was much too early for lunch, but Aunt Fanny at once sat down and began to unpack the food. The children were always ready for a meal at any time, so they didn’t in the least mind lunch being so early.